10 states with the most lenient gun laws

For the 5th year in a row, the Brady Campaign has issued a 100-point scorecard ranking all 50 states on the basis of laws that can reduce gun violence, such as background checks on all gun sales, permit-to-purchase requirements and limiting handgun purchases to one a month.

Their report ranks states for laws that were enacted by the end of 2011.

The Brady Campaign is the nation's largest citizens' lobby to prevent gun violence.

State Constitutional Provision: The people have the right to keep and bear arms for security, defense, hunting, recreation or any other lawful purpose.
WISC. CONST. art. 1, § 25

9
Idaho

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Brady Campaign score: 2

In Idaho, shooting ranges are protected against any type of lawsuit claiming nuisance or noise if the range was in operation before the adjoining property owner purchased their property.

State Constitutional Provision: “The people have the right to keep and bear arms, which right shall not be abridged; but this provision shall not prevent the passage of laws to govern the carrying of weapons concealed on the person, nor prevent passage of legislation providing minimum sentences for crimes committed while in possession of a firearm, nor prevent passage of legislation providing penalties for the possession of firearms by a convicted felon, nor prevent the passage of legislation punishing the use of a firearm. No law shall impose licensure, registration or special taxation on the ownership or possession of firearms or ammunition. Nor shall any law permit the confiscation of firearms, except those actually used in the commission of a felony.”
Article 1, Section 11.

8
Kentucky

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Brady Campaign score: 2

Kentucky law states that it is lawful to possess, purchase, or sell a machine gun that is legally registered and possessed in compliance with all federal laws and regulations.

State Constitutional Provision: “All men are by nature, free and equal, and have certain inherent and inalienable rights, among which may be reckoned: ... 7) the right to bear arms in defense of themselves and of the state, subject to the power of the general assembly to enact laws to prevent persons from carrying concealed weapons.”
Article 1, Section 1, Paragraph 7.

7
Louisiana

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Brady Campaign score: 2

In Louisiana, it is lawful for any person residing in the state to purchase or otherwise obtain a rifle or shotgun or ammunition in any other state.

State Constitutional Provision: “The right of each citizen to keep and bear arms shall not be abridged, but this provision shall not prevent the passage of laws to prohibit the carrying of weapons concealed on the person.”
Article 1, Section 11.

6
Montana

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Brady Campaign score: 2

Montana law says it is unlawful for a parent or a guardian to permit a minor under 14 years of age to carry or use a firearm in public unless the minor is accompanied by the parent or guardian or under supervision of a qualified firearms safety instructor who has been authorized by the parent or guardian.

State Constitutional Provision: “The right of any person to keep or bear arms in defense of his own home, person, and property, or in aid of the civil power when thereto legally summoned, shall not be called in question, but nothing herein contained shall be held to permit the carrying of concealed weapons.”
Article 2, Section 12.

5
North Dakota

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Brady Campaign score: 2

In North Dakota, no political subdivision, including home rule cities or counties, may enact any ordinance relating to the purchase, sale, ownership, transfer, registration, or licensure of firearms and ammunition which is more restrictive than state law.

State Constitutional Provision: “All individuals . . . have certain inalienable rights, among which are . . . to keep and bear arms for the defense of their person, family, property, and the state, and for lawful hunting, recreational, and other lawful purposes, which shall not be infringed.”
Article 1, Section l

4
Oklahoma

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Brady Campaign score: 2

Oklahoma law says that no state permit is required to possess a rifle, shotgun or handgun.

State Constitutional Provision: “The right of a citizen to keep and bear arms in defense of his home, person, or property, or in aid of the civil power, when thereunto legally summoned, shall never be prohibited, but nothing herein contained shall prevent the legislature from regulating the carrying of weapons.”
Article 2, Section 26.

3
Arizona

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Brady Campaign score: 0

Arizona law says that any person 21 years or older, who is not a prohibited possessor, may carry a weapon openly or concealed without the need for a license.

State Constitutional Provision: “The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself or the State shall not be impaired, but nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing individuals or corporations to organize, maintain, or employ an armed body of men.”
Article 2, Section 26.

2
Alaska

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Brady Campaign score: 0

Alaska does require that if approached by a police officer, you must inform the officer that you are in possession of a firearm and allow the police officer to secure the handgun for the duration of that contact.

State Constitutional Provision: “A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. The individual right to keep and bear arms shall not be denied or infringed by the state or political subdivision of the State.”
Article 1, Section 19.

1
Utah

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Brady Campaign score: 0

Utah is one of the three most lenient states in regard to its gun laws.

Among other things, Utah allows for open carry of unloaded firearms without a concealed firearm permit. Utah does require a permit to carry a concealed firearm.

With a permit, a person may carry a firearm with a loaded chamber either openly or concealed. HB76 almost changed this law this year when it passed the state Legislature. It would have made it possible to carry without a permit, but it was vetoed by Gov. Gary Herbert.

State Constitutional Provision: “The individual right of the people to keep and bear arms for security and defense of self, family, others, property, or the State as well as for other lawful purposes shall not be infringed; but nothing herein shall prevent the legislature from defining the lawful use of arms.”
Article 1, Section 6.